Crafters Organize 'Knit-In' In Solidarity With Occupy Berkeley

BERKELEY (CBS SF) --  Some crafty Occupy Berkeley members are showing solidarity with their Occupy brethren in cold-weather areas Saturday by holding a "knit-in at the sit-in".

Organizers are inviting the public to join them as they knit and crochet hats, mittens and scarves to send to cold-weather encampments that are facing dropping temperatures and snow as winter approaches.

The knit-in will be held at noon, rain or shine, at Civic Center Park at Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Center Street.

Participants are asked to bring their own yarn and needles, however local stores, including Piedmont Yarn and Apparel, have donated some supplies for those who need them.

The knit-in's organizer, Maxina Ventura, was busy occupying Berkeley this evening but her son, Andy Pollyak, 15, who will be joining his mother at the knit-in, said they expect a large turnout.

Interested knitters who are unable to attend the knit-in are invited to drop off handmade items along with a photo, name or note, at Occupy Berkeley in a bag marked "Max".

Participants can also send their hand-knitted goods directly to Occupy Berkeley c/o Maxina Ventura at 2399 E. 14th St. No. 24, San Leandro, CA 94577.

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